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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What derogatory name do primitive men call the primitive women who bear deformed babies?

2. Which is NOT part of the ceremony held to safeguard against having deformed babies?

3. The narrator compares the beauty of the first image on screen in "Ape and Essence" to a poem by which poet?

4. Why is Bob Briggs in financial trouble?

5. In the human condition, what does fear NOT cast out, according to the narrator?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Chief's conception of "Democracy."

2. What point does the script narrator make about baboons and knowledge?

3. List the allusions/references found in this section of the text.

4. Why are the gravediggers robbing graves?

5. Why was Gandhi killed according to the narrator?

6. Why does the Chief order his gravediggers to bury Dr. Poole?

7. How does Bob Briggs help Rosie?

8. Set the scene for the opening of the novel. What is happening? When?

9. How is Dr. Poole described? What does Dr. Schneeglock think of him?

10. What background information is the narrator able to learn about William Tallis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the philosophical passages in Ape and Essence are devoted to the nature of evil. According to Dr. Poole, what is the nature of evil? What is the nature of evil to the Arch Vicar? In each man's view, what is man's relationship to Belial/evil? Can man improve his station or somehow overcome evil eventually?

Essay Topic 2

Allusions are a frequent presence in Ape and Essence. Choose four literary allusions and explain their significance and meaning.

Essay Topic 3

Examine the character of William Tallis and the extent to which he is a surrogate or reflection of Huxley himself. Why is it important that he wrote the Ape and Essence screenplay? What is the significance of his gravestone, and the grave's location?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 840 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample